Splinter Cell: Double Agent - Multiplayer Revealed News

Ubisoft today released details on the changes that Splinter Cell fans can expect in terms of multiplayer modes featured in Double Agent.

Taking the risky decision to re-design the acclaimed Co-op and Adversarial modes featured in Chaos Thoery and Pandora's Tomorrow, the teams at Ubisoft Annecy and Ubisoft Milan (responsible for Splinter Cell multiplayer) wanted to create a new mode that is more accessible to newcomers whilst also rewarding to Splinter Cell veterans.

On the current-generation versions (Xbox and PS2), Splinter Cell: Double Agent features a 'Spy vs Spy' mode, whereas the PC and Xbox 360 offer all-new 'Versus' and 'Challenge' modes that apparently make greater use of the superior hardware.

'Spy vs Spy' places everybody on a level platform, both teams are equivalent and have the same abilities, with the objective not about knowing the maps or how to use gadgets, but to shoot, fight and move better than everybody else.

One major element featured in the Xbox 360 and PC version is that players now have online recruitment and progression experience features on the multiplayer modes, which allows your character to develop along with the customary rise in ranks.

An example is that the match won't end when all objectives have been completed; the Spy still has to escape from the map to fulfil his challenge, thus adding an extra layer of tension and similarities to classic Heist films, as the team focuses on the escape moves to make it spectacular and dangerous. Conversely the Upsilon Forces have new weapons to track and kill the spies, such as the drones, which remotely scout out the opposition with deadly force.

The 'Challenge' mode allows players to learn the basics, competing against AI bots with team-mates on a variety of preset challenges to complete.

Now we're growing older here at TVG and so that gives us the right to have a winge and moan. Personally we think Ubisoft reached near multiplayer perfection with the release of Chaos Theory, and so it's disappointing to find such a change and an almost insistence on simplifying what was a deep and satisfying experience. Of course we'll give them the benefit of the doubt at this stage, because they've never disappointed us in the past; however, they do have a reputation to live up to and we hope the decision doesn't come back to bite Sam Fisher in the arse.

Ubisoft recently confirmed a slight delays to Splinter Cell: Double Agent, moving from the intended September release to towards the end of October; look out for more on the title soon.

Full details on the different versions are listed below:

On Xbox and PlayStation2:

• Spy vs. Spy Mode: A Lethal Sport - Instant Action
• Two opposing spy teams: Upsilon battles Echelon in a hacking and killing frenzy Play various game modes that make use of your spy skills.
• A new close combat system and acrobatic moves.
• Team Hack: Hack the other team's computer and protect yours.
• Deathmatch (individual or team): With a lethal weapon, your favorite Splinter Cell gadgets, and the brand-new close combat system, these spies are killing machines.
• Blitz: A spy must be able to react to any situation. Alternate attack and defence and lead your team to victory.
• Key Run: You'll need a key to hack high-security computers. There's only one on the map. Let the games begin!
• Sam Vs. All : Can one Sam Fisher defeat three Upsilon spies?
• Countdown : The more you kill, the more you play. Outwit, outmaneuver, and outlast your challengers.

PlayStation2 EXCLUSIVES

• Disk Hunt: Collect the disks on other spies bodies : they won't let you easily take them.
• Survival: The best spy? That would be the last one left alive. Frag grenades will certainly be deadly weapons.

Xbox EXCLUSIVES

• 3 players on each side in Spy vs. Spy mode.
• Enhanced Graphics (Soft Bodies, Normal Mapping, etc.)
• Camouflage suit gadget

On Xbox 360 and PC:

• Build your career as a Secret Agent
• Adversarial Mode : Spy or Protect to have your team on top (3 spies vs. 3 mercenaries): Work your way up as an Echelon Spy or Upsilon Mercenary, improving your skills, inventory, and team ranking.
• Infiltration is the easy part - only the best can extract!: A top notch spy must also learn to leave a location without being caught, using Spectacular Escape Moves.
• Protect and Destroy : The Upsilon Forces strength boosted by dangerous drones makes them a lethal enemy for the spies.
• Learn, Improve, Master, Teach : The Challenge Mode allows you to improve as a team against bots, and the best players can pass on their tactics as mentors.
• Team Ranking, Team Building and Team Progression: a lone agent is never safe. Build your team, improve with it, and get ranked as a team.